Television fans are expressing surprise after discovering that the lead actress in a new Netflix series about an infamous ax murderer comes from Hollywood royalty.
Ella Beatty plays the titular role of Lizzie Borden in the show Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, which made its debut on the streaming platform this week.
The twenty-six-year-old actress stunned in a black silk gown at the official New York premiere for the program.
Ella Beatty attends the New York Premiere of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story. Credit: Roy Rochlin / Getty
The production features a wide cast of notable actors alongside Ella, including Vicky Krieps, Charlie Hunnam, Rebecca Hall, Jessica Barden, Joey Pollari, Billie Lourd, Sarah Paulson, and Oliver Spenceman.
Despite the star-studded ensemble, much of the recent public focus has shifted toward Ella’s notable family tree.
Many viewers were astonished to realize that her parents are legendary screen actors Warren Beatty and Annette Bening. Her parents met in 1990 and eventually married two years later in 1992.
Together, they have raised four children: Stephen, Benjamin, Isabel, and Ella. Both parents have enjoyed long, successful careers in cinema, with Warren starring in films such as Bonnie and Clyde, Heaven Can Wait, Reds, and Bulworth.
Annette has earned acclaim for her work in productions like The Grifters, American Beauty, and The Kids Are All Right.
Annette Bening and Warren Beatty. Credit: Amy Sussman / Getty
Legendary Hollywood parents
Throughout their lengthy careers in entertainment, both of her parents have collected significant industry honors. Warren won the Academy Award for Best Director for his work on Reds, alongside several Golden Globe and Directors Guild awards.
Annette earned a BAFTA Award for her performance in American Beauty, as well as a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in 2005.
Social media users quickly reacted to learning about the young star’s parentage.
On Instagram, fans pointed out the striking physical similarities between the actress and her award-winning parents. One commenter wrote, “She’s the perfect combo of her dad and mom.”
Another fan chimed in on her appearance, stating, “I see Warren Beatty in her sparkling eyes.”
Reflections on an acting career
Speaking to Extra on the red carpet before the series premiere, Ella shared thoughts regarding her upbringing and her decision to follow her parents into the performing arts. She explained how growing up in a creative household shaped her overall worldview from an early age.
“I don’t know anything else,” Ella said. “I have no other context for the world but my parents are the most loving, supportive, incredible artists, that was the way that I understood, to contextualize, the world since I was a very little girl.
Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden in a new true crime drama on Netflix. Credit: Netflix
“How do we empathize with other people’s experiences? How do we watch other people? Playing pretend. But the older I get, the more that I feel, it’s kind of something about my spirit.
“I feel just closer and closer to whatever the practice of acting is an art form and kind of as a practice. That sounds really corny, but it’s true. But it’s absolutely true. It’s a part of my makeup as a person.”
Featured image credit: Netflix
